The Division of Environmental Health is responsible for regulating the treatment and disposal of sewage from septic tank systems which serve residences, places of business or places of public assembly that do not hold a North Carolina Division of Water Quality Wastewater Irrigation System Permit. Persons planning to build, alter or expand a structure from which sewage will be discharged must apply for a site evaluation with the division. The staff evaluates the soil and the site to determine its suitability for a subsurface septic system.

An Improvement Permitand Authorization to Constructmust be obtained prior to installation. An Operation Permitis issued upon inspection of the system to determine if it is installed according to North Carolina statutes and rules. The staff investigates reports of surfacing sewage and enforces the state rules through legal remedies. These activities protect the public health and the groundwater by assuring the proper treatment and disposal of wastewater.